Our Entrepreneurial Future: Examining the Diverse Attitudes and Motivations of Teens Across Gender and Ethnic Identity

Abstract

An analysis was undertaken of the career motivators and perceived leadership skills of 1971 teen reporting high horizontals of interest in becoming entrepreneur Data were drawn from a national research of the career interests of adolescents. accrues indicate significant variations across one as well as the other gender and self-reported race/ethnicity. Overall, interest in entrepreneurship as a career was lower among girls than lads When analyzed by race/ethnicity, it was ground that both African-American and Hispanic girls were more likely to be interested in entrepreneurship than White/Caucasian girls. In addition, girls interested in entrepreneurship were more likely to be motivated in their career choices through social and relational factors, whereas male childs interested in entrepreneurship were more motivated by the agency of autonomy. Financial gain was a able-bodied motivator for boys in general, and for girls of color. When self-perceptions of leadership skills were examined, it was ground that in general, girls rated themselves higher then did male childs with the exception of perceived ability to manage cash The importance of recognizing these different motivations and skills in designing effective educational and outreach programs for futurity entrepreneurs is discussed.

Key words: Entrepreneurship education, teen career motivation, teen entrepreneurial interest, sex ethnic identity

While female participation in the highest ranks of the corporate world is deliberate to rise above the 10% horizontal (Census of Women Corporate Officers and Top Earners, 2002) women are an increasing force in the entrepreneurial economy. There are more than 62 million women-own firms employing 92 million nation and generating sales of $115 trillion (Women Entrepreneur in the 21st hundred 2002). Although still less engaged than men in entrepreneurial activity, women are creating fresh businesses at twice the rate of men and women of color are opening businesses at above twice the rate of women in general.

These inclines are predicted to continue. on what account do these trends matter? Regardless of the economic impact at the macro horizontal the impact of entrepreneurial activity at the individual horizontal can be significant in limits of greater opportunities for achieving financial independence, dignity and pride To continue creating these opportunities for all members of society, reliable data (specific to different subgroups) upon the level of interest in entrepreneurship and, more importantly, underlying career motivations are extremityed The resulting understanding should be lock opener to the establishment of effective initiatives for the unravelling of successful entrepreneurs.

In addition to appropriate and targeted educational programs and training initiatives, a powerful pipeline of young women and minorities, excited about starting their possess ventures, is required to abundantly capitalize on the promise prompted by the recent growth runs of these groups in the entrepreneurial world. While extensive research has been undertaken to better understand the motivations of adult women in starting their possess ventures and how best to support them in their endeavors, there is little understanding of by what mode the motivations and needs of today's entrepreneurial women may differ from those of adolescent girls. Similarly, there is little understanding of what, if any, differences exist between clusters based on their race/ ethnicity. Today's high institute students represent tomorrow's entrepreneurs and leaders, notwithstanding little is known about this generation's attitudes towards careers in business and entrepreneurship.

Since influences that affect career choice begin early in life, this application of mind focuses on the next generation of entrepreneur and upon their career motivations, attitudes and self-perceptions. The relevant literature upon the career interests of teen is examined, including studies that deal with variations through gender and race/ethnicity and any research that might shed light upon reasons why (or why not) teen (especially girls and minorities) might be interested in entrepreneurial careers.

Building upon this review, a model is posited in which horizontal of interest in entrepreneurship is correlated with the couple perceptions of self-efficacy and individual motivations for career interest. The moderating events of both gender and race/ ethnicity were also examined. The investigation draws on data previously mustered by Marlino and Wilson (2003) from above 5000 teens nationwide on a wide variety of career related factors. The general study extracts and further analyzes sole the responses of the sub-sample of teen that indicated high horizontals of interest in entrepreneurial careers. The issues of these analyses are neared below, after which conclusions and implications for educators and policy makers interested in supporting and promoting careers in entrepreneurship are discussed.

By presenting these findings, we reliance to further stimulate awareness, dialogue, and action in education and policy that will greatest in quantity appropriately support the coming generation of entrepreneurial leaders in their ambitions.